Are you suffering from the uncomfortable effects of menopause? Becoming fed up of the sudden hot flashes, the unpredictable mood swings, or the constant feeling of fatigue? If this is the case, then you are probably desperate to relieve your mind and body from these frustrating symptoms. However, when you seek advice, it tells you to cut caffeine from your diet. How could you possibly do that when it is that morning coffee that gets you through the day? Should you follow the advice and consider alternatives? This article explains why your answer to this question should be yes.
How Does Caffeine Affect Menopausal Women?
Cutting caffeine from your diet is recommended for the treatment of all menopausal symptoms and with good reason. Caffeine consumption has a negative effect on your body and will only make the inevitable phase of menopause even more difficult to deal with. Avoiding coffee, tea, and energy drinks may require self-discipline, but your effort and persistence will be worthwhile.
Caffeine is associated with the main symptoms of menopause
It has been scientifically proven that the consumption of caffeine will increase the frequency and severity of hot flashes. Coffee will also have a negative impact on symptoms like fatigue, because it causes a rise in energy levels momentarily and increases alertness, but then will cause the dips in energy levels to be made worse, affecting your health and mental state. Caffeine also impacts sleeping patterns tremendously.
Caffeine can cause stress
When you consume caffeine, the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, increases of. When stress hormones are released, the body prepares to run or fight against the danger it may encounter. This is known as the panic response and gives temporary boosts of energy. However, the artificial increase of stress hormones has a negative effect on women's health. Additionally, when there is too much cortisol in the body, it starts to have a negative impact on the amount of estrogen and progesterone that is present. If this happens, then the imbalance of hormones will worsen.
Caffeine restricts the natural balance of hormones
Caffeine will have negative effects on your hormones and this may cause general health problems in the future. For example, it increases the level of homocysteine in the body which, in turn, increases the risk of getting osteoporosis, a symptom sometimes associated with menopause.
Caffeine prevents the absorption of minerals
The consumption of caffeine will have a direct effect on the minerals that are essential for women's health. It will reduce the amount of calcium and magnesium that is being reabsorbed in the kidney, which results in the minerals leaving the body instead of being used as they should.
Caffeine creates lower density in bones
A high intake of caffeine can cause bones to become less dense and, for menopausal women in particular, this should be avoided; there is an increased risk of loss of bone density in older women.
So, What Can You Drink Instead?
Hopefully, these reasons have made you realize why your consumption of caffeine should be seriously reduced, if not avoided altogether. So, what can you replace your cup of coffee with? Herbal teas are thought to be extremely beneficial for a women's health or drinking more fresh fruit juice is another healthy option, as they are loaded with vitamins. Ensure your water intake is always high, and if you must drink caffeine then try to make smarter choices; purchase de-caffeinated coffee or drink tea because it contains less caffeine than coffee.
More Information about Menopause Fatigue
The reduction or complete avoidance of caffeine in a woman's diet during menopause is advised for good reason. However, there are other dietary changes that will also decrease the effects of menopausal symptoms, so follow this link to find out more.
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